Philippine Travel Itinerary to Check Out

For both seasoned and first-time travelers, it is important to properly plan and straighten out your Philippine travel itinerary for a more organized and detailed journey. It has always been a popular tourist destination among international visitors. Well, it has almost everything that one can define as paradise. From scenic and crystal-clear beaches to tall mountain peaks and historical landmarks, the country has all the attractions that can take one’s breath away.

Planning Out Your Philippine Travel Itinerary

Many Philippine tourist attractions and activities are difficult to count by hand or mind, thanks to the country having over 7,000 islands. Just by visiting any location, you will be greeted with many fun and lively festivals, beautiful scenic views, and must-try foods that will leave you eager for what more the country has to offer.

However, the Philippine island can also leave you lost, leading to the importance of carefully planning how you travel in and out of the country. In ensuring you enjoy your vacation and keep tabs on the important notes, here are some specific criteria you should consider when planning out your Philippines travel destination guide:

Traveling To The Philippines By Geography

When planning your trip to the Philippines, you should know exactly where you are heading. The country is divided into three major islands, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, each having its differences in terms of transportation, schedule, and budget limits:

Luzon

Luzon is well known for being home to several bustling cities, as well as important, must-see heritage sites. This major island has a rich history and boasts to be home to the country’s capital. If you plan to arrive outside the country, you should expect to land in Manila. This bustling city is a hub for interconnecting flights to other local destinations.

Visayas

Visayas is a region located in the central part of the country, which serves as another gateway for visitors to the country. This area is widely known for its beautiful beaches and natural wonders. Cebu is one of the best Philippine destinations for family travel. Although it is common to pass through Manila to reach other islands, several airports, like Clark Airport, offer direct flights to other islands.

Mindanao

Mindanao is a beautiful island located in the southern part of the Philippines. Mindanao is known for its cultural diversity and natural beauty. Moreover, visitors can explore vast orchid gardens, hike up volcanoes, and experience various ethnic festivals.

Visiting The Philippines By Months

One of the most important considerations to plan out in your travel guide is knowing when to visit the country for a good vacation. When to visit the Philippines depends on your preferred activities.

The Philippines has two distinct seasons, which are the wet and dry seasons. The dry season will start from November to June, and the wet, also known as the rainy period, starts in July or August and continues until October.

Although the seasons follow a predetermined pattern, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are always exact. Sometimes, it may not rain during the wet season, while some rainy days may occur during the dry season. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to check the weather report.

The different seasons also influence the country’s annual activities and mood changes. Plan your travel according to the Philippine travel itinerary to enjoy fully what the country offers. Here are the recommended ideal months to visit:

January To March

Many travel recommendations recommend that visiting the Philippines from January to March is one of the most ideal times. The season within these months tends to be cooler and signals the beginning of annual festivals. One of the most highly anticipated festivals is the Sinulog Festival, which is held in the province of Cebu.

April To June

Visiting the Philippines from April to June is ideal if you are looking to spend your vacation days under the sun. The locals recognize these months as the country’s summer season, defined by high temperature and humidity levels. Local beaches will be crowded at this time, and guests will overbook resorts, so advanced planning is necessary.

July To October

If you prefer a cooler season instead of the summer heat, visiting the Philippines between July and August is recommended. During these months, rainy days are expected to occur the most. These seasons also offer cheaper potential if you want a more affordable travel itinerary in the Philippines. However, this season is also considered the most risky as typhoon hits are highly expected to occur, which can result in trip delays and cancellations.

November To December

Visiting the Philippines from November to December is recommended for those looking forward to long vacations and celebrating the holidays with loved ones. These months are also ideal since Filipinos are deemed to have the longest Christmas vacations in comparison to other countries.

Additionally, guests who visit the Philippines around these months should expect the upcoming holidays to bring night markets, evening shows, and bazaars to life within the city of their destination.

What To Keep In Mind Before And Upon Arriving At Manila Airport

As mentioned previously, Manila Airport is the main hub connecting local flights. Officially known as the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), it is the main airport most international flights will go to as their main destination.

The NAIA arrival protocol and requirements may sometimes be confusing, especially for first-time visitors, so here is a quick rundown of what you should be aware of.

Upon arrival, you should follow the procedure provided if you are coming from an international flight. If you are from overseas, you will most likely be redirected towards the Immigration inspection in submitting your Arrival card.

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Assigned security may ask you to show your official ID and passport.

You will also need to show your return flight ticket when passing through the Immigration section.

Once everything has been sorted out with little to no trouble, you may head out to find different transportation services. You may choose a bus or a taxi to travel to your booked hotel.

Closing Thoughts

Having a well-thought-out Philippine travel itinerary helps you stay organized and gives you an outline of how to spend your vacation to the fullest. It also lets you determine the best time to visit the country and what you can expect during your trip. With a proper plan in place, you can ensure that your time is well spent and that you cover everything you want to do while you’re there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Traveling to a different country is bound to raise some questions from first-time travelers. Here are some frequently asked questions regarding traveling guides and tips.

How many tourist destinations are in the Philippines?

The Philippines has numerous tourist destinations. It is difficult to specify exactly how many spots there are as the country is home to thousands of islands and hundreds of cities.

How to get around the Philippines?

There are many transportation options you can use to get around the Philippines. One ideal and budget-friendly transportation tip is taking the public bus or jeepney when the tourist spot is by land. Major cities also have taxi cabs and vehicle ride-share applications if you want more private rides.